View SlideshowRequest to buy this photoNeal C. Lauron | DispatchSenior Katelyn Daniels of Olentangy Orange is far from the biggest competitor in the weight events, but she’s tops in the state in discus and No. 2 in the shot put.

Katelyn Daniels reacted excitedly upon learning that the Olentangy Orange girls track team would
compete soon in a relay-format meet, and that she might get to contribute in a sprint relay, the
high jump or the long jump.

Daniels, the defending Division I state champion in the shot put and discus, does not fit the
prototype. Even having bulked up to 180 pounds on her 5-foot-10 frame through more intense weight
training, the senior is smaller than most in the weight events.

“I would say that I’m not the best technician and I’m by no means the biggest girl out there,”
Daniels said. “Most of what I’ve been able to achieve comes from my speed and explosiveness in the
ring. All of the sports I’ve played definitely have given me the foundation for track in terms of
flexibility, balance and strength.”

She began competing in gymnastics at the age of 2 and excelled through her sophomore year at
Orange, when her track and field prowess came to the fore and she decided to focus on becoming the
best in that sport. In addition to pursuing other sports through the years, Daniels plays in the
marching band and is a cheerleader.

“Gymnastics was my big thing for a long time, but I finally began to realize that I wasn’t quite
good enough to go to the Olympics and not many colleges offer scholarships,” she said.

“Going into seventh grade I wanted to play softball, but my mom kept convincing me to give track
a try. I thought I was a sprinter, but because I was strong from gymnastics, I finally got steered
into trying the shot, and it stuck. Truthfully, I didn’t think I’d be that good in the shot because
I was so skinny. I enjoyed the discus more at first.”

When she watched Daniels compete in middle school, Simpson saw a standout in the making.

“It was obvious that she was a pretty special all-around athlete who could do just about
anything she put her mind to,” Simpson said. “Along with that special talent, she has a relentless
work ethic. She’ll do whatever it takes to be the best.”

Daniels placed seventh in the state in the shot put and the discus as a sophomore before making
huge strides last year. Undefeated in the postseason, she produced career-best efforts of 47 feet,
41/2 inches in the shot and 140 feet in the discus at the state meet.

After her breakout performance, Daniels thrust herself into a year-round commitment, focusing on
getting bigger, stronger and faster. With little training, she has high-jumped 5-2 and long-jumped
16-3, both respectable marks. Simpson wouldn’t hesitate to use her in a relay, if needed.

Although returning to the top of the awards stand is an obvious goal, Daniels — who has signed
with Michigan State — aspires to join the all-time greats in the shot and discus. She is ranked No.
1 in Ohio and 11th nationally in the discus (145-10) and is No. 2 statewide in the shot (46-23/4)
behind Alyssa Robinson of Division II St. Clairsville.

Only two Ohio girls — state record-holder Ashley Muffet of North Canton (50-10 in 2005) and
Westerville South grad Krista Keir — have topped 50 feet in the shot. Keir, who starred at Indiana
and Ohio State, set the discus mark of 176-5 in 1997.

“In the shot, I’m shooting for somewhere between 49 and 51 feet,” Daniels said. “I know Krista
and I’ve talked to Ashley before, and I’d love to get close to their marks. I’ve been throwing
close to 48 in practice, and it stands to reason I’ll get better the closer it comes to the bigger
meets late in the season.

“As for the discus, it’s really tough to say. It’s a crazy event in that one day you can throw
really well and the next day not so well. The weather can really play a factor. I’ve been throwing
153 in practice, and I like to think I’m capable of 165 in the right conditions. I surprised myself
last year, so I won’t ever sell myself short.”